Device for generating images and/or projections

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generating images and/or projections, which device includes a device for the detection of input radiation. The device for the detection of input radiation comprises a sensor with a Pr 3+ -activated scintillator for converting the input radiation into UV radiation. The Pr 3+ -activated scintillators have short excitation and decay times.

1. A device for generating images and/or projections by means of an imaging method, which device includes a device for the detection of input radiation which includes at least one acquisition element which comprises a sensor with a Pr 3+ -activated scintillator for converting the input radiation into UV radiation, a color converter which contains a luminous substance for converting the UV radiation to an optical signal, and a photodiode which converts an optical signal into an electrical signal; wherein the Pr 3+ -activated scintillator is chosen from the group LuF 3 : Pr, LuCl 3 :Pr, and LuBr 3 :Pr. 
     
     
       2. A device for generating images and/or projections as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device is arranged to carry out the PET method as the imaging method. 
     
     
       3. A device for generating images and/or projections as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device is arranged to carry out the SPECT method as the imaging method. 
     
     
       4. A device for generating images and/or projections as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device is arranged to carry out the imaging method by means of X-rays. 
     
     
       5. A device for generating images and/or projections as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the color converter comprises a polymer light guide which is doped with the luminous substance that is excited by UV radiation. 
     
     
       6. A device for generating images and/or projections as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the color converter comprises a polymer light guide and a separate layer with the luminous substance that is excited by UV radiation. 
     
     
       7. A device for generating images and/or projections as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the luminous substance includes an organic material. 
     
     
       8. A device for the detection of input radiation which includes at least one acquisition element which comprises a sensor with a Pr 3+ -activated scintillator for converting the input radiation into UV radiation, a color converter that converts UV radiation to an optical signal, and a photodiode which converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, wherein the color converter includes a polymer light guide and the color converter is doped with a Courmarin based substance. 
     
     
       9. A device for detecting input radiation as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the color converter contains a luminous substance which can be excited by UV radiation, wherein the color converter is arranged between the sensor and the photodiode. 
     
     
       10. A device for detecting input radiation as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the acquisition element comprises an array of photodiodes, and further wherein the array of photodiodes forms a first layer and the sensor forms a second layer, wherein the first and second layers are combined to form a system of layers. 
     
     
       11. A device for detecting input radiation as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein a decay time of the scintillator is approximately 9 ns. 
     
     
       12. A device for detecting input radiation as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein a decay time of the scintillator is approximately 16 ns. 
     
     
       13. A device for detecting input radiation as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the Pr 3+ -activated scintillator is Ca 1-2y Li 2 SiO 4 :Pr y Na y , where 0.001≦y≦0.2. 
     
     
       14. A device for detecting input radiation as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the Pr 3+ -activated scintillator is LaPO 4 :Pr. 
     
     
       15. A device for detecting input radiation as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the Pr 3+ -activated scintillator is one of LuCl 3 :Pr, LuBr 3 :Pr, (Lu 2-x Y x )SiO 5 :Pr, where 0 ≦x≦1, and (Lu 1-x Y x )Si 2 O 7 :Pr, where 0≦x≦1. 
     
     
       16. An imaging method, comprising:
 receiving one of an X-ray and a γ quantum at a Pr 3+ -activated scintillator, wherein the Pr 3+ -activated scintillator is one of LuCl 3 :Pr, LuBr 3 :Pr; 
 receiving UV radiation emitted form the scintillator at a color converter in response to receipt of the one of the XC-ray and the γ quantum; 
 receiving a light signal emitted from the color converter at a photodiode; 
 generating an electrical signal in response to receipt of the light signal; and 
 generating an image based at least in part upon the generated electrical signal. 
 
     
     
       17. The imaging method of  claim 16 , wherein the color converter includes a polymer light guide that is doped with a luminous substance. 
     
     
       18. The imaging method of  claim 16 , wherein the color converter includes a polymer light guide and a separate layer with a luminous substance. 
     
     
       19. The device for detecting input radiation as claimed in claim  16 , wherein the color convener is doped with a Courmarin based substance.